The Los Angeles Dodgers spent much of last season overcoming a starting rotation that was hardly that. They finished second in the Majors with 15 different starting pitchers used, and have encountered similar shuffling this season.
As it stands, Rich Hill and Hyun-Jin Ryu are on the 10-day disabled list. Ryu’s injury prevented the Dodgers from continuing with six starters a second time through the rotation. With Sunday’s rainout at Petco Park, Los Angeles now faces a decision for their series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Brandon McCarthy was scheduled to start the finale against the San Diego Padres, and Alex Wood is slated to take the hill Monday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said consideration is being given to both starters, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“We could go with Brandon Monday (at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates) and push everybody back or skip Brandon and go with Alex (Wood),” Roberts said. “On one side, you keep everybody on their turn when they’ve already gotten an extra day. On the other, the way B-Mac is throwing you want to get him out there.”
McCarthy already had his outing pushed back one day because of a minor injury to his non-throwing shoulder suffered in the weight room last week. McCarthy is said to still be dealing with some soreness.
Skipping the right-hander may lead to even more juggling in the days ahead, as Roberts projected Ryu was likely to come off the DL some time this weekend. Hill, who’s slated for a second rehab start on Tuesday, could be placed back in the Dodgers rotation soon after.
Should the Dodgers elect to go with Wood on Monday, it would afford them the option to put McCarthy on the disabled list, retroactive to April 30, and use the roster spot as they choose.
Beyond Monday, Julio Urias and Kenta Maeda are tentatively scheduled to pitch in the ensuing two games against the Pirates.
